China Considers Tightening Rare-Earth Quotas

Updated Aug. 2, 2011 3:09 p.m. ET

BEIJING—China is considering tightening regulations on exports of rare-earth metals amid concerns that sharply higher global prices have led to a surge in smuggling and the export of byproducts that aren't included in current limits.

Government officials and industry executives said they are discussing several measures, including a proposal to bring more byproducts under export limits and another to have separate quotas for light and...